The Malala Fund, alongside prominent advocacy groups including Connected Development (CODE) and YouthhubAfrica, has issued a call to action to the Nigerian government, urging it to protect the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act from proposed repeal.
This legislation, enacted in 2015, provides essential safeguards against gender-based violence (GBV) and supports the safety, empowerment, and education of girls across Nigeria.
The VAPP Act represents a milestone in Nigeria’s battle against GBV, criminalizing various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.
Nabila Aguele, Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, said: “Repealing the VAPP Act would not only undermine efforts to protect Nigerian women and girls from violence but also threaten their right to education.
“When girls feel safe, they are more likely to attend school and reach their full potential. We cannot afford to take a step back in the fight for gender equality. We urge the Senate to amend and strengthen the Act, rather than repeal it.”
Hamzat Lawal, Founder of Connected Development (CODE), echoed the same concerns, stating that:
“The VAPP Act is a cornerstone in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. Its repeal would be a setback for the progress we’ve made in protecting our women and girls.
“We must not dismantle the protections put in place after years of advocacy and effort. The Act has been adopted by 35 out of 36 states, reflecting its crucial role in safeguarding the rights of women and girls across the country.”
Lawal further stressed the need for legislative improvements rather than a complete repeal.
